Can Vision Screeners Eliminate Manual Visual Acuity Exams?

A visual acuity test is an eye exam that assesses the ability to see details of letters or images from a set distance. The test gets commonly used in establishments such as opticians, schools, and driving license centers. The visual acuity test can be performed by an optician, optometrist, ophthalmologist, nurse, or technician.

The visual acuity test is an essential part of a comprehensive eye exam. It is used to detect and prevent vision impairment, as well as assist opticians with finding treatment options for existing eye conditions. Many people continue to use manual forms of the exam, however with the new industry technology these types of tests are easier than ever to conduct.

The Acuity Test Defined

1) The Snellen Eye Chart – Used to determine the clarity of distance vision. It involves reading a chart with various letters of varying sizes, arranged in rows. The chart gets placed 14 to 20 feet away while the optician asks the patient to read off the different rows. The test is performed separately for each eye, the other covered by the hand.

2) The Random E Test -This test is most common for younger children and people who cannot read. It involves identifying the direction that the letter “E” is facing, whether it be left, right, upright, or upside down.

The acuity test is often more thorough in an optometry than in other establishments. When conducted at an opticians office a variety of lenses can be used to assess whether they improve the sight of the individual and to determine whether the patient requires a prescription. Although the manual visual acuity tests are useful in establishing whether visual problems exist, the examination itself is not thorough enough to be used as the sole method of vision testing. An alternative to the manual version of the acuity test is to perform the test using an electronic vision screener.

How the VT1 Vision Screener Can Help

The VT1 Vision Screener by Depisteo is a screening device used for a wide range of eye tests, including the visual acuity test. The screener checks for primary visual problems in just five minutes, including acuity, glare sensitivity, depth perception, color, night vision, contrast, complete visual field, among other useful vision checks.

The device is simple enough to use, with or without optical training, and can adapt to suit the user whether it be an optometrist or an occupational health worker. The Depisteo VT1 Vision Screener technological features allow for instant input of patient responses and quick export of test results. The device creates test sequences according to the needs of the patient so that tests get performed based on the type of screening required, such as the driver sequence test for a driver’s license.

Vision screeners provide a much more comprehensive, reliable, and accurate eye testing experience than manual vision acuity tests. The Depisteo VT1 Vision Screener provides patients with peace of mind and opticians with the opportunity to provide better service. Contact Depisteo to find out more about our range of vision tester equipment, and the unique benefit they can offer to your business and patients.